(212) 524-4300

208 W 23rd St
New York, NY 10011 40.7442 -73.996

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Neighborhoods: Chelsea, Midtown

RUB.COM

Hours:

Tuesday To Thursday From 12:00 PM To 11:00 PM Friday To Saturday From 12:00 PM To 12:00 AM

Price:

$

Last updated 10.17.11

Category:

Restaurants, Barbecue Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Family-Friendly Dining, Dine At The Bar

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About RUB BBQ

Featured Review

Josh Ozersky

Contributor

RUB takes an almost fanatical approach to barbecue, smoking with straight hickory wood (rather than the usual gas-plus-token smoke approach) and cooking every batch by eye, rather than formula. The result shows up in the flavors and textures, which are a shame to ruin with sauce, although RUB's is a creditable Kansas City version. The room isn't much to look at, but you're not here for the decor. This is one of the best barbecue restaurants in America.

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
You would be remiss not to sample the fried Oreos. Covered in a funnel-cake-type batter, these babies plump when you fry them for a hot, gooey ending.
What to Drink:
The sweet tea is shockingly sweet; order it half-sweet, half-unsweet for less teeth curl. Or just head straight for the beer: Drafts include Brooklyn White and Pilsner Urquell.
ambiance
75.0% positive
  1. “The food was very good service was unremarkable (which lately seems to be a blessing as opposed to all of the poor service out there) and the atmosphere okay.”
  2. “I've only been there once, and I truly enjoyed the atmosphere there, it is a place I felt like I could just sit back and not worrying about eating the delicious ribs with my 10 fingers.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “Their ribs are definitely Top 10 for NYC but their burnt ends, frito pie and bacon chunks are great as well.”
drinks
73.33000183105469% positive
  1. “The iced tea is super tasty too and you can pick sweetened or unsweetened and they give you free refills.”
  2. “Lisa, the world's best bartender is not only friendly but mixes a great drink!”
  3. “Although our waitress didn't come through in this one aspect, she was very friendly and vigilant with clean plates, napkins, and drinks.”
  4. “My experience at Rub was just AWFUL, that's because while sitting at the bar with my boyfriend waiting to be seated a HUGE WATERBUG LANDED ON HIS HEAD.”
  5. “The sweet tea and baked beans are great.”
food quality
85.0% positive
  1. “The sandwich was good but without the sauce it was just your average pulled pork sandwich.”
  2. “The food was great but all of their dishware and cups are disposable.”
  3. “Based on the fact that they had poor customer service, we will try another bbq restaurant next time rather than give them our business again.”
  4. “not the best bbq in the world”
  5. “personally like the pulled pork and i love the burnt ends.”
  6. “For sides, we love the greens, mayo coleslaw, & seasoned fries.”
  7. “Everything else we've tried, (chicken, ham, brisket) has a delicious, smoky flavor.”
  8. “ordered a one meat platter w/ pulled pork, corn bread & baked beans, all of it was very tasty - flavored well & cooked perfectly.”
  9. “Nice portion size - I was unable to finish the 3-meat combo platter.”
  10. “Like other users said, good food, but overblown.”
  11. “An hour into our meal, our group decided to order more food but the restaurant had failed to tell us that the ribs were now available.”
  12. “When she came back to take our food order I didn't even ask questions about what might be good meal for three people.”
  13. “Overall good place, great food, but a bit small (hey what do you expect in Chelsea?)”
  14. “awesome bbq”
  15. “The onion strings are just plain addictive.”
  16. “I'll be back for ribs and pulled pork - and more of those amazing oreos.”
  17. “The secret surprise is they make really good burgers too.”
  18. “The fries were decent, baked beans were impressive with lots of meat and a distinctive multi-layered taste which left with a nice rich peppery aftertaste in my mouth.”
  19. “Good food, but WAY too much 'tude!”
  20. “Our waitress Eviana told us what to eat, burnt ends, pulled pork, great duck.”
  21. “kinds of slaw - vinegar or mayo based, sandwiches, much more), friendly service, decent mid-level prices.”
  22. “Went there for my B-day with a party of 8 and everyone was very happy with their food, ordering across the different BBQ meats.”
  23. “The chicken was missing something, a little bland-but the BBQ sauce at the table was helpful.”
  24. “Great food and great service!”
  25. “As close to authentic BBQ as you can get in NYC.”
  26. “The food is amazing.”
  27. “would definitely recommend the onion rings as one of the sides.”
  28. “The sweet tea and baked beans are great.”
  29. “It's a shame that the food does not compare to the excellent and friendly service.”
  30. “The food however is really good.”
  31. “The food was very good service was unremarkable (which lately seems to be a blessing as opposed to all of the poor service out there) and the atmosphere okay.”
  32. “The food deserves good service, and for the price you pay, customers deserve good service.”
  33. “The food was decent, but I have had much better BBQ in this city.”
  34. “BBQ sauce is amazing, Don't forget the extra napkins, gets a bit messy.”
  35. “The bbq chicken was dry.”
  36. “The sauces were yummy too.”
  37. “The brisket was VERY dry and tasteless, likewise the chicken.”
  38. “They arrive in their dry rub, without sauce (which you can add).”
  39. “food was amazing, service was great!”
  40. “My meal was amazing!”
  41. “... I guess i should have stuck with the ribs or pork butt- but i heard good things about the duck adn wanted to try it- what a mistaake unless tough tasteless meat is your thing.”
  42. “The baked beans and the onion strings are both excellent.”
  43. “Fortunately for this place, the food is GREAT and is almost worth going through the hassles.”
  44. “I've only been there once, and I truly enjoyed the atmosphere there, it is a place I felt like I could just sit back and not worrying about eating the delicious ribs with my 10 fingers.”
  45. “Brisket is a little dry, but fall-apart tender and just fine with RUB's awesome bbq sauce.”
  46. “Pulled pork is delicious, as are the baked beans and the vinegar based cole slaw.”
  47. “There pulled pork and ribs are great.”
  48. “Paid $9 for a sandwich (delivery) and not a sandwich with 2 sides or something, that is JUST the sandwich, which was good, but not to die for.”
  49. “The collard greens were tasty, but in too much liquid that made it seem more like a soup.”
  50. “The burnt end are really great, its my new favorite food.”
  51. “Beans, mac and cheese, corn bread are all mediocre at best.”
  52. “Great beans, tasty greens although bit too salty.”
  53. “had the pulled pork sandwich, it came on a nice roll and was not bad.”
  54. “Started with the best, perfectly fried "fried green tomatoes" that come with a yummy remoulade.”
  55. “Their ribs are definitely Top 10 for NYC but their burnt ends, frito pie and bacon chunks are great as well.”
  56. “Our meal of 1/2 chicken and short end of ribs was tasty.”
  57. “The iced tea is super tasty too and you can pick sweetened or unsweetened and they give you free refills.”
  58. “The food had good taste and was decent quantity.”
  59. “had a nice experience, but I have eaten better bbq.”
  60. “I've ordered from here a few times (big fan of the BBQ sausage) and tonight (at about 10:25pm) I ordered 2 plates for me and my boyfriend, one of which had pulled pork.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “This is a great all-around BBQ restaurant.”
  2. “Overall good place, great food, but a bit small (hey what do you expect in Chelsea?)”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “I'll be back for ribs and pulled pork - and more of those amazing oreos.”
service
72.67000198364258% positive
  1. “We had a slight issue with the management; the female manager was quite rude when we brought up an issue with our bill.”
  2. “Maybe I'm too much of a city snob, but there are plenty of actors out there who can pretend to be good waiters.”
  3. “Lisa, the world's best bartender is not only friendly but mixes a great drink!”
  4. “Based on the fact that they had poor customer service, we will try another bbq restaurant next time rather than give them our business again.”
  5. “When she came back to take our food order I didn't even ask questions about what might be good meal for three people.”
  6. “Although our waitress didn't come through in this one aspect, she was very friendly and vigilant with clean plates, napkins, and drinks.”
  7. “Average Food; POOR customer service”
  8. “The service is pretty good.”
  9. “To their credit, the staff was very nice, and provided honest and accurate recommendations when asked.”
  10. “Great food and great service!”
  11. “Went with a big group and had a blast, messy, decadent grub and super knowledgeable waitress equals the best BBQ joint in the city!”
  12. “The food was very good service was unremarkable (which lately seems to be a blessing as opposed to all of the poor service out there) and the atmosphere okay.”
  13. “Unbelievably horrible AMY and awful customer service!”
  14. “staff is friendly while making their best effort.”
  15. “Our waitress Eviana told us what to eat, burnt ends, pulled pork, great duck.”
  16. “Worst customer service - Beware”
  17. “kinds of slaw - vinegar or mayo based, sandwiches, much more), friendly service, decent mid-level prices.”
  18. “Great waitress service and outstanding ribs.”
  19. “food was amazing, service was great!”
  20. “Service was very friendly and though they were busy, they would make eye contact from across the room to see how we were doing.”
  21. “Tasty burnt ends, great waitress!”
  22. “Why is it so hard for people to make good que?”
  23. “Their service is very very bad.”
  24. “The food deserves good service, and for the price you pay, customers deserve good service.”
  25. “It's a shame that the food does not compare to the excellent and friendly service.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “The price was decent.”
  2. “Fortunately for this place, the food is GREAT and is almost worth going through the hassles.”
  3. “At the prices they are charging they should be turning out some awesome que but they aren't.”
  4. “The food deserves good service, and for the price you pay, customers deserve good service.”
  5. “kinds of slaw - vinegar or mayo based, sandwiches, much more), friendly service, decent mid-level prices.”
  6. “decent value and definitely better than Dallas BBQ.”
  7. “still like the other ribs, maybe even better, but these are definitely worth a try.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “Not the best butt in town by a long shot!”
1 Star Rating: Poor

06/21/11

Never Again

by GEN at Citysearch

First, let me say that I have NEVER felt compelled to right such a negative review in my life!!! I threw my order OUT when I got home!

This is the first and LAST time I will go this place. I WANT MY $34 back!

I Live in New Jersey, so, I took my order to go and

that's unfortunate because if I lived in the city I would have returned the food! The "Jumbo" wings were small wings that were too spicy and the chicken wasn't cooked. Today's special "beef ribs" was a blacken slab of beef fat!

The "Greens" and cornbread were ok.the meat? Awful and

disgusting! Next time I will continue down 23rd street and go to Dallas bbq....that's on my way to Penn Station!

Thanks for nothing!!!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/07/11

Great BBQ

by SamSamP at Citysearch

They call this an urban barbeque restaurant but I think that what you get here is Rich Home Down Southern BBQ Flavors. So delicious. Actually, I am not clear on what urban BBQ means but that’s what they call themselves. Either way, you get delicious BBQ food and you will want to come back with all your friends. Great place for some cornbread with barbecued ribs after a long day of work with an iced cold beer on a hot summer evening. If you prefer not to eat pork you can try their beef briskets, smoked turkey or their BBQ chicken wings. Absolutely tasty and messy. You don't have to be intimidated if you’re going on a first date though. Ladies, you can actually pull it off on a first date if you eat with a fork and knife. But if you prefer to enjoy getting your grub on with this kind of food, then you might want to save it for when you guys have let your guards down. Just saying.

Rub BBQ offers take out and catering.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/04/10

Definitely Top 10 NYC BBQ

by EyeGuy at Citysearch

I must confess that I have never eaten at RUB and have only gotten their food to go so I cannot comment of the waitstaff as I have read it is pretty bad. The food however is really good. Their ribs are definitely Top 10 for NYC but their burnt ends, frito pie and bacon chunks are great as well. The secret surprise is they make really good burgers too...but only on Monday nights since burgers are not on the menu. Their burgers are some of the best I've ever had in the city...better than Shake Shack's. I make a point now on Mondays to think of RUB for take out.

  • Pros: Ribs, frito pie, burnt ends, bacon chunks, secret burgers
1 Star Rating: Poor

01/22/10

AWFUL!,DISGUSTING AND GROSS

by HipsandCurves at Citysearch

My experience at Rub was just AWFUL, that's because while sitting at the bar with my boyfriend waiting to be seated a HUGE WATERBUG LANDED ON HIS HEAD. We spoke with the hostess who apologize to us, but the Manager nor the Owner made an attempt to apologize to us for such and disgusting thing. I reported them to NYC DEPT OF HEALTH & HYGINE.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

09/29/09

Wow!!! I don't know if I am coming back

by 44Deal44 at Citysearch

Well I come to this place a lot, simply because I love Barebque and this place does it right. I usually come during the week on my lunch break and I have never had a problem. I deicied to try this place on the weekend, on a Saturday night a couple of weeks ago. Well the hostess set me and my guests in the front section. I waited for a while for the waitress to come over and get our drink orders, and it seemed as though it panied her to take the order. It seemed she was in a bad mood when I started asking her about the beers. I got very short answers and not the info I needed so I went with a soda. I think the only reason she got frustrated because I was asking questions about a beer I wanted, and it seemed like she was much more important than I. Well it took forever to get our drinks, and I almost got up to leave because it the length of the wait was absurd. Another thing that may have fueled my fire was that I watched her go where the drink place is, where you get the drinks, and I could hear her complaining about our table. When she came back to take our food order I didn't even ask questions about what might be good meal for three people. I felt like I was more of a bother than anything. Well we ordered our food and it came out pretty quickly considering the place wasn't that busy, but was getting there it seemed. The waitress never came over to refill our drinks. When I was observing to see where she might be, I couldn't find her. I had to get the boy that was clearing the tables to get our table more drinks. Finally she came back over when we were finished and asked how was everything, we all said fine and she didn't even ask if we wanted anything else, but said thank you and put the bill down. Of course I looked on the bill to see if there was any name on there, and there it was "Teri". I usually leave 20% or more but I left 10% and she was lucky she got that. I may never come back at dinner again. I have had better times and service at lunch, and it seems like the people want to be there as opposed to making you feel like a bother. I hope "Teri" one day will learn the value of customer service and being professional. Luckly I am not giving up on RUB, but now I know who I don't want waiting on me or my guests again.

  • Pros: Great Food!!!! They know barebque well!!!
  • Cons: My Server

The Details on RUB BBQ

Place Categories:

  • great more food
  • great service
  • good bbq
  • poor customer service
  • outstanding ribs
  • do recommend brisket
  • helpful bbq sauce
  • tasty collard greens
  • amazing meal
  • great place
  • nice experience
  • personally like pulled pork
  • decent seasoned fries
  • not that great rub
  • good que
  • nice rich peppery aftertaste
  • excellent onion strings
  • very nice staff
  • good sandwich
  • very tasty bread
  • distinctive multilayered taste
  • great waitress
  • tasteless very
  • not greasy hush puppies
  • great baked beans
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